The Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) has begun its review of a certificate of need application from Sacred Heart Medical Center in Eugene.

The application is for a 104-bed general acute-care hospital to be sited at Sacred Heart's current location, 1255 Hilyard Street in Eugene. The hospital would open sometime during the first half of 2008. At that time, Sacred Heart Medical Center will relocate to a new location, RiverBend, at 3345 Game Farm Road in Springfield.

A proposed decision as to the need for this project will be issued no later than Jan. 3, 2006, according to Jana Fussell, DHS certificate of need coordinator.

Anyone who has a vested interest in the outcome of the DHS decision may request affected party status. Anyone designated as an affected person will receive copies of relevant correspondence, may testify at or request a public meeting on the issue prior to a decision if the request is made at a reasonable time, and may be a party to any future reconsideration hearing.

DHS will make a copy of the application available for inspection during normal business hours at 800 N.E. Oregon Street, Suite 930 in Portland. For further information, please contact Jana Fussell at (503) 731-4320.